Ischial perineal cushion for emergency traction splint

Abstract

In order to distribute the countertraction forces exerted on the perineal region by a cushion mounted on a lower limb emergency traction splint, the cushion is formed to an elongated saddle shape with enlarged lobes on opposite ends. The cushion is made laterally bendable so that when applied to the patient, the cushion impinges against the ischial tuberosity, the ischial and pubic rami and the midline symphysis pubic. Patient comfort and splint security are thereby enhanced.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Ischial perineal cushion for emergency traction splint used to maintain alignment of fractured leg bone comprising: a. an elongated body extending longitudinally between opposite ends and transversely between opposite sides and between an upper surface and a lower surface, said body being compliant and being laterally bendable to a permanent predetermined non-linear configuration in which said upper surface bears only against the pelvis in countertractive position, said body being a modified hour glass shape in plan with two enlarged end lobe portions and an intermediate constricted portion, and in which said upper surface of said body is saddle-shaped in side elevation;   b. means for connecting said body to the emergency traction splint; and,   c. a bridle closable at opposite ends by an adjustable fastener, said bridle being dimensioned to secure said cushion in fitted position with said cushion in countractive position only against the pelvis.   
     
     
       2. A cushion as in claim 1 in which one lobe portion is longer than the other lobe portion. 
     
     
       3. A cushion as in claim 1 in which said body includes an elongated core of compliant material bendable to a non-linear shape; and a pad covering at least said upper surface of said body. 
     
     
       4. A cushion as in claim 1 in which said body includes an internal elongated plate articulated by a hinge located intermediate the ends of said plate; and an external pad constructed of resilient padding material. 
     
     
       5. A cushion as in claim 4 including means for maintaining the non-linear configuration of said body at a predetermined angular displacement. 
     
     
       6. A cushion as in claim 5 in which said maintaining means includes a hinge having a plurality of hinge pin sockets and a hinge pin in interfering relation with the circumscribing walls of said hinge pin sockets. 
     
     
       7. A cushion as in claim 4 in which said hinge is located approximately one third of the distance between said ends of said plate and said plate is longitudinally centered in said pad so that when said body is bent to non-linear configuration said cushion comprises a first and second lobe with said first lobe approximately twice the length of said second lobe. 
     
     
       8. A cushion as in claim 7 in which the non-linear configuration of the bent body is substantially V-shaped.